A final point is the importance of coordination. Within the United Nations system there should be a one-stop shop to offer guidance and advice to Member States in drawing up national plans. We suggest that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Women, Peace and Security be asked to identify such a focal point. At the national level, too, there is a role for focal points to provide drive and leadership.

We should also ensure that peacekeepers have adequate capacity to carry out provisions related to gender issues. Moreover, it is important that provisions on sexual violence within the mandates of peacekeeping missions be in line with other provisions, such as protection of civilians; they should be developed with a clear and comprehensive concept.

There is still, however, much action that can be taken by the international community to address the challenges faced by women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations. We should continue to promote at all levels awareness of the Geneva Convention of 1949 on the protection of civilians.

The Security Council, in accordance with its mandate should continue to address the root cause of violence against women in armed conflict. At the same time, the role of women should continue to be promoted in sustaining peace following conflict. For those reasons, Indonesia very much welcomes the Council's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) earlier today.

The role of women in post-conflict situations is paramount. Women serve as one of the main building blocks and instruments of peace. Yet, due to continuing violence during conflict, women face physical, mental and social barriers in post-conflict situations that undermine their role in peace. The international community must recognize and address that challenge effectively.

The international community must help to restore peace in conflict areas with the participation of women. We commend the continued effort to incorporate a gender perspective in all policies and programmes of the United Nations system, facilitated by a strong gender entity within the United Nations. However, we note that gender-targeted projects in post-conflict areas remain limited.

Nonetheless, our strategies ultimately must not merely treat women and girls as victims; they should also be a central part of peace agreements. Women are key partners in the post-conflict transformation process. Women should be enabled and empowered to play an active role in the many spheres of post-conflict life beyond earning livelihoods by also participating in political and peacebuilding processes.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Secretary-General for providing us with a progress report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and for the recommendations contained therein. Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) in October 2010, we have an opportunity today in this open debate to advance women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution and in peacebuilding.

During our deliberations on this issue last year, Indonesia recognized the need to facilitate the full and effective participation of women in all stages of peace processes and peacebuilding. Indonesia supports more women playing key roles in peacekeeping missions, including as military and police personnel.

Armed conflict is devastating to any human being. However, it has disproportionate effects on women and girls. Their voices are silenced in conflict and their basic rights lost in the political and social deterioration that accompanies conflict. They become disempowered. A few days ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1888 (2009).